NBA Trade News: Golden State Warriors Expected to Part Ways with $25 Million Forward in Potential Trade
As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, the Golden State Warriors are rumored to be considering significant changes to their roster. The team, which has been synonymous with success for nearly a decade, appears to be facing a crossroads. After years of dominance, the Warriors are now grappling with aging core players and a need to find new energy in an increasingly competitive league. One of the most notable names being mentioned in potential trade talks is Andrew Wiggins, a player whose time in Golden State has been marked by both promising moments and frustrating inconsistency.
Wiggins, who signed a four-year, $25 million deal in 2022, has been a key contributor to the Warriors’ success over the past few seasons. However, his performance in the 2025 season has led many to question whether he is the right fit for the Warriors’ future. While Wiggins was instrumental in the Warriors’ 2022 championship win, his play this season has been far from consistent. With the Warriors needing to retool their roster and look for ways to keep up with the new generation of teams in the NBA, the question of whether parting ways with Wiggins could be a necessary move has taken center stage.
This article will explore the potential trade of Andrew Wiggins, why the Warriors might be considering such a move, and what possible destinations could be in the works for the 2021 NBA champion. We will also delve into the broader implications of the Warriors’ potential roster changes, assessing the impact on their future and their ability to remain competitive in an ever-evolving NBA landscape.
Andrew Wiggins’ Role with the Warriors
Since being acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2020, Andrew Wiggins has been a vital piece of the Warriors’ roster. Known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defense, Wiggins initially struggled to find his place in Golden State’s system. However, over time, he began to thrive, especially in the postseason. His defensive versatility and ability to guard opposing teams’ best players were crucial during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, where he played an essential role in the Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Wiggins’ scoring ability also made him an invaluable asset for the Warriors’ offense, particularly as a secondary scoring option behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. However, in the 2025 season, Wiggins’ performance has been a mixed bag. While still capable of explosive games, he has struggled with consistency, particularly on offense. His shooting percentages have dropped, and his impact on both ends of the floor has been less noticeable compared to previous seasons.
The Warriors, who rely heavily on their star players, need more consistent production from their role players, especially with their aging core. If Wiggins cannot consistently contribute at a high level, the Warriors might be looking to move him to make room for younger, more dynamic players who can better complement Curry and Thompson in their quest for another championship.
Why the Warriors Might Trade Wiggins
The Golden State Warriors are at a critical juncture in their franchise’s history. After winning four championships in a span of just eight years, the team’s core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green is showing signs of aging. Curry is still playing at an elite level, but Thompson has struggled with injuries and is no longer the same player he was during the Warriors’ dominant years. Green, while still an excellent defender and playmaker, has seen his offensive production decline.
The Warriors are also dealing with a lack of depth and have struggled to integrate young players into the rotation. Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga have shown flashes of potential, but neither has consistently stepped up as a reliable contributor. Meanwhile, veteran acquisitions like Donte DiVincenzo and JaMychal Green haven’t been able to fill the gaps left by the aging stars.
As a result, the Warriors may be looking for ways to retool their roster and build around their remaining championship window with Curry at the helm. A trade involving Andrew Wiggins could be part of this retooling effort. With his $25 million contract, Wiggins is one of the Warriors’ most valuable trade assets, and moving him could open up opportunities to bring in a player who better fits the team’s current needs.
Wiggins’ Inconsistent Play
While Wiggins has shown he can be a productive player for the Warriors, his inconsistency has been frustrating for both fans and the coaching staff. In the 2025 season, Wiggins has struggled with his shooting percentages, particularly from beyond the arc. His defense, once considered one of his strongest attributes, has also taken a hit. Wiggins’ inability to deliver on a regular basis has raised questions about his fit on a Warriors team that relies on players who can execute at a high level night in and night out.
When Wiggins is on his game, he can be an excellent two-way player, providing scoring and solid defense. However, his inconsistency has made it difficult for the Warriors to rely on him as a cornerstone player going forward. In a season where the team needs to maximize its championship window with Curry and Thompson still at the core, Wiggins’ struggles have put him in the spotlight as a potential trade candidate.
Trade Destinations for Wiggins
If the Golden State Warriors do decide to part ways with Andrew Wiggins, the next question is where he could end up. Wiggins’ contract, combined with his status as a solid two-way player, makes him an attractive option for a variety of teams looking for a proven wing player. Several potential destinations have been discussed, with teams looking to add depth, scoring, and defensive versatility.
- Toronto Raptors
One possible destination for Wiggins is a return to his home country with the Toronto Raptors. Wiggins began his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to the Timberwolves, and he hails from Toronto. The Raptors are in the midst of a rebuilding process and could look to acquire a veteran player like Wiggins to add some experience and leadership to their young core. With Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet leading the charge, Wiggins could provide much-needed scoring and defense on the wing. - Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have long been interested in upgrading their wing position, and Wiggins could be a potential target for a team that is looking to contend in the East. The Heat, led by Jimmy Butler, have struggled to find consistency in their rotation, especially when it comes to scoring. Wiggins could provide Miami with a versatile defender and a solid offensive threat, especially as a secondary scorer. With the Heat still searching for that final piece to push them over the top, Wiggins could fit well in their system. - Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have been exploring trade options in the hopes of improving their roster around stars like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. A player like Wiggins, with his two-way capabilities, could be a valuable addition to their wing rotation. The Bulls have been in need of defensive help and scoring depth, and Wiggins could provide both. With the Bulls looking to get back into playoff contention, Wiggins could be the kind of player who can help stabilize their inconsistent performances. - Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks could also be an intriguing destination for Wiggins. Luka Dončić is the centerpiece of the Mavericks’ roster, and Dallas is looking to surround him with complementary pieces that can help elevate the team’s championship aspirations. Wiggins could offer defensive versatility and scoring on the wing, which would be a solid fit alongside Dončić and Kyrie Irving. With the Mavericks’ roster still in flux, Wiggins could be the type of player that helps Dallas take the next step. - Phoenix Suns
Finally, the Phoenix Suns are a team that has been in playoff contention for the past few seasons but still seems to be missing that final piece to secure a title. The Suns could look to add a player like Wiggins, who can provide defense and scoring depth to their roster. With Devin Booker and Kevin Durant leading the charge, Wiggins would add a defensive presence to help with matchups against some of the top teams in the Western Conference. A move like this could help Phoenix make a deep postseason run.
The Future of the Warriors
The potential trade of Andrew Wiggins marks a crucial turning point for the Golden State Warriors. If they decide to part ways with him, it will signal a shift in their approach to building a championship contender. While Curry, Thompson, and Green remain the face of the franchise, the Warriors must find new ways to stay competitive and maintain their place among the elite teams in the league.
Whether Wiggins is traded or not, the Warriors will need to address several key issues—most notably their lack of depth and the aging of their core players. Moving Wiggins could help free up cap space and bring in new talent, but it will also require a careful balancing act to ensure that they remain contenders in the future.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Golden State Warriors to see what moves they make. Parting ways with Andrew Wiggins would be a significant change for the franchise, but it could also be a necessary step toward reshaping the team for the future.
